HP is showing off its new Elite x3 Windows 10 Phone at the ongoing MWC event in Barcelona. However, to consider the x3 as just a smartphone will be demeaning to its true capabilities which HP claims can take up the roles of a desktop and a laptop as well.
Of course, the x3 has the hardware extravaganza to live up to its lofty ideals. This comprises of a Snapdragon 820 chip coupled to a 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM. Onboard storage stands at 64 GB though that can be expanded further to a mammoth 2 TB. Providing the juice is an equally impressive 4,150mAh power source that can also be charged wirelessly.
The rest of the details include front and rear 8-megapixel and 16-megapixel cameras respectively, Bang & Olufsen front speakers, support for dual-sim along with a massive 5.96-inch 1440 x 2560p QHD screen.
However, that’s just one side of the story as HP is keen to spice up the Elite x3 from the software side of it. Moreover, it’s here that things start to take an interesting turn.
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With support for Windows Continuum feature which essentially enables the Windows smartphone to connect to a display and be used as a desktop device, HP is keen to build on the same principles and takes things even further.
Towards that, there is a wireless dock thrown in that is much like what Microsoft offers for its Lumia 950 and 950 XL. The dock comes with a series of ports which includes two USB and one USB Type-C port, DisplayPort, an Ethernet slot as well as a power slot. This will allow the x3 to be hooked up to an external display and used just as a desktop PC, complete with a keyboard and a mouse.
Then there also is the Mobile Extender, which is a strange name for a sleek laptop device, complete with a 12.5-inch Full HD display, keyboard, trackpad, 48Wh battery and USB Type-C port.
HP Mobile Extender (Folio) for Elite x3 Windows PhoneHowever, the real magic with the Mobile Extender is that it can connect to the Elite x3 wirelessly (or otherwise via a USB-C cable) and function as a full-fledged laptop. In fact, this makes for a fresh take on the Continuum feature that is also less messy. The laptop depends on the x3’s processing capabilities and lacks any storage of its own.
The fourth and perhaps the most vital leg of the hardware triad is HP Workspace. It’s the software component of the entire setup and is designed to provide for seamless integration of virtualized, cloud-based enterprise apps.
To make the whole thing appealing for business clientele, HP is also stressing on the need to have virtual apps in place to make the most of the hardware.
Also, enough thought is being accorded to the security aspect, something that is imperative for the device to emerge as a serious business contender. For this, the HP Elite x3 relies on the chip integrated Haven Security Suite along with the Windows 10 security features like BitLocker.
These apart, the x3 itself comes with a dual biometric authentication system comprising of an iris and fingerprint scanner.
As for availability, HP stated the Elite x3 along with its associated hardware accessories will debut in summer. Pricing details will be announced nearer to that.
